With the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino performing at the top of their game, World Cup winner Hummels believes Bayern are not the only side relieved to have steered well clear of Jurgen Klopp’s men.

He considers the flamboyant 50-year-old to be one of the best in the business, even if they did not always see eye-to-eye during a productive period which delivered Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final appearance.

“It was almost like family between us,” added Hummels.

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“Of course we had our issues from time to time. One day we would be there, screaming at each other. But the next day? It was all fine. He understood me, I understood him.

“Each of us would know why the other one would act like he did. We never, ever had a big problem.

“He always considers what you say. He doesn’t always agree and he has the final word. But he considers it and he will say ‘OK’ or… ‘Think about it again’. He is the boss.”